NatWest and Google to boost UK startups with AI tools and training
NatWest Group has today announced it is working with Google Cloud as part of a collaboration that supports the bank’s strategic focus on helping businesses to grow and adapt to the rapid pace of technological change. The collaboration will see Google Cloud support entrepreneurs on NatWest’s Accelerator with access to AI tools, cloud technology, and expert training – equipping the next generation of UK innovators with the digital skills needed to unlock business growth.
Research by the bank shows that data-driven businesses make smarter decisions more quickly – and secure competitive advantage as a result. In a survey of 1000 businesses operating across 10 sectors, 92% of future-fit businesses were found to use data analysis to inform most or all of the significant decisions they make. Future-fit businesses are also almost twice as likely to have begun to implement artificial intelligence tools and capabilities compared to the average business surveyed.
To support UK businesses to embrace new opportunities for growth, Google Cloud will provide NatWest’s Accelerator community with practical training on AI implementation and digital marketing, delivered through events at NatWest’s nationwide network of Accelerator hubs and the NatWest Accelerator app. Eligible startups on NatWest’s Accelerator will also receive Google Cloud credits to build, test, and scale their operations on Google’s secure infrastructure – reducing the cost and technical barriers for businesses leveraging AI to scale their ventures.
Google will also partner with the bank on the NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition. NatWest is funding a new £1m competition helping to identify the next generation of UK innovators. Tonight (Thursday 31 July), five entrepreneurs will take to the stage in Manchester to deliver their best 15 minute pitch on their businesses’ journey and growth plans – with the winner set to receive £70,000 for their business. Entrepreneurs will be judged on their business models, innovative growth strategies, and the impact that the prize money will have on their future success.
Darren Pirie, head of the NatWest Group Accelerator, said: “The support we provide to small businesses on the NatWest Accelerator unlocks and accelerates growth right across the UK – helping businesses to boost their turnover, secure investment and scale. With technology evolving at an extraordinary pace, we are working hard to ensure that our customers are supported to develop the digital skills they’ll need to drive their growth. By embedding access to Google’s world-class expertise across our Accelerator, we are providing the practical support needed to help entrepreneurs understand AI and the benefits it could have for their business – so they can step into the future with the confidence and skills they’ll need to grow.”
Darren Mowry. vice president, Global Startups at Google Cloud said: “Google Cloud is committed to helping UK businesses thrive by providing them with the digital skills and technology they need to innovate. By working with the NatWest Accelerator, we can directly support a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, providing them with access to training, resources, and Google Cloud tools to help them scale their ventures.”